MOLECULE

Acetoacetic acid

Acetoacetic acid, also known as 3-oxobutanoic acid or 3-oxobutyrate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as short-chain keto acids and derivatives. These are keto acids with an alkyl chain the contains less than 6 carbon atoms. Acetoacetic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. Acetoacetic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Acetoacetic acid is a potentially toxic compound. A 3-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is butyric acid bearing a 3-oxo substituent. Acetoacetic acid, with regard to humans, has been found to be associated with several diseases such as late-onset preeclampsia, crohn's disease, and schizophrenia; acetoacetic acid has also been linked to several inborn metabolic disorders including 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex deficiency and glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome. Acetoacetic acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.